Joseph Charles "Joe" Molinari

Joe Molinari was born November 2, 1930, to parents, Dominico and Mary (Staley) Molinari in Portland, Oregon. He was the oldest of six siblings. Joe attended Woodlawn Grade School, Holy Redeemer Grade School, Central Catholic High School, and Jefferson High School. He farmed for many years with his father.

Joe was drafted into the Army in 1955. On Friday, July 13, 1956, he was one of the few survivors of a military plane crash as he was being sent overseas. He spent a year in military hospitals recovering from his injuries. Joe received an Honorable discharge in 1957.

Joe went to work for Lincoln Electric at their Portland warehouse in 1958. He worked there for 38 years, retiring in 1995.

Joe married Joan Campbell on June 27, 1961. They had three children, Mary, Joe Jr., and Todd. They first made their home in Portland, and in 1974 moved to Milwaukie. Joe and Joan were married for 42 years, until her passing in 2003.

Joe was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish for 50 years. In retirement, Joe loved spoiling his three grandchildren, and working on his farm north of Hillsboro. He was still working on his farm a week before his passing.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister, Geraldine Markle, and brother, Vincent Molinari. Joe is survived by his siblings, Donna Mae Brodahl, Antoinette Cecchi, and Antonio “Tony” Molinari (Marlene); sister-in-law, Anne Molinari; three children, Mary, Joe Jr. (Danette), and Fr. Todd; and three grandchildren. Evan, Ryan (Zoe), and Allison.

The funeral for Joseph Molinari will be on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Milwaukie, Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by A Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. with private interment and Military Honors at Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery, Happy Valley, Oregon.

Please remember him in your Masses and prayers.